Animated Music Videos for the Ages
Animated music videos offer a unique and captivating way to tell a story, enhance a song's message, and engage audiences worldwide. These videos blend the magic of animation with the power of music, creating an unforgettable visual and auditory experience.
In the digital era, where visual content is king, animated music videos stand out for their creativity and ability to connect with viewers on a deeper level. From independent artists to global superstars, these videos have proven their worth in gaining massive views and leaving a lasting impact.
Cover GIF via GIPHY
As we explore the top 10 most popular animated music videos of all time, it's hard not to imagine the possibilities for your own animated video. With companies like Promoshin specializing in creating high-quality animated videos, the opportunity to bring your musical vision to life is more accessible than ever.
Whether you're an up-and-coming artist or an established musician, the allure of animation can elevate your music and engage your audience in a whole new way.
10. Billie Eilish - My Future (120M views)
Video by Billie Eilish via YouTube
The appeal of animated music videos works well for Billie Eilish's "My Future," directed by Andrew Onorato and produced by Studio Chop, is a testament to the power of animation in conveying deep, introspective themes.
Released on July 30, 2020, the video illustrates Eilish's journey away from a relationship and towards self-discovery, set against a beautifully animated backdrop. Critics praised the video for its animation quality and emotional depth.
The video's success, alongside Eilish's performances at high-profile events like the 2020 Democratic National Convention and the 2020 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball, showcases the broad appeal and impact of animated music videos.
9. Mac Miller - Good News (132M views)
Video by Mac Miller via YouTube
Mac Miller's posthumous release "Good News" features the nuance that animated music videos offer, capturing the essence of his artistry and the poignancy of his passing.
The video, directed by Anthony Gaddis and Eric Tilford and released on January 9, 2020, uses a mix of animation styles to convey a surreal journey through Mac Miller's mind and music. The visuals are a blend of the real and the imaginative, reflecting the introspective lyrics of the song.
The video has been praised for its artistic depth and its ability to visually narrate Miller's exploration of life's complexities. It serves as a beautiful tribute to the late artist and a reminder of the storytelling power of animated music videos.
8. Gorillaz - 19-2000 (141M views)
Gorillaz, the virtual band created by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett, revolutionized the music video landscape with "19-2000."
Released on June 19, 2001, the video features the band's animated members driving a cartoon jeep through a surreal landscape. This early example of a fully animated band set a new standard for music videos, combining catchy tunes with visually arresting animation.
The video's unique style and the band's innovative concept have garnered millions of views and influenced a generation of music video creators. Gorillaz continued to push boundaries with their blend of music and animation, proving that animated music videos can be as iconic as the songs themselves.
7. Taylor Swift - Look What You Made Me Do (145M views)
Video by Taylor Swift via YouTube
Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do" lyric video broke the mold of traditional music videos with its captivating animated visuals.
Released on August 25, 2017, the video showcases a series of animated lyrics and illustrations that complement the song's themes of transformation and rebirth.
The use of stark black-and-white animation with pops of red emphasizes the song's dramatic tone. Swift's ability to reinvent her image and music is mirrored in the video's innovative approach, which diverged from typical lyric videos by creating a standalone piece of art.
This video exemplifies how animation can add depth and intrigue to a song, engaging viewers and encouraging them to delve deeper into the music.
6. Legends Never Die (ft. Against The Current) (262M views)
Video by League of Legends via YouTube
Featured as the anthem for the 2017 League of Legends World Championship, "Legends Never Die" captures the spirit of competition and the journey to greatness.
The animated video, released on October 18, 2017, showcases various champions from the game, emphasizing their struggles and triumphs. The animation is both dynamic and emotionally charged, perfectly complementing the song's powerful vocals and message.
The video's widespread popularity not only among gamers but also in the broader music community highlights the universal appeal of well-crafted animated storytelling. It stands as a testament to how animation can transcend traditional boundaries and resonate with a diverse audience.
5. Imagine Dragons - Birds (268M views)
Video by ImagineDragons via YouTube
Imagine Dragons' "Birds" animated music video, released on July 24, 2019, offers a poignant narrative on loss and letting go.
Directed by Zak Tormala, the video tells the story of a young girl coping with the loss of her father, symbolized by a bird that she sets free. The animation's delicate and ethereal style enhances the emotional weight of the song, creating a deeply moving experience for viewers.
The video's success demonstrates how animation can effectively convey complex emotions and narratives, making it a powerful tool for artists to connect with their audience on a deeper level.
4. Childish Gambino - Feels Like Summer (303M views)
Video by Donald Glover via YouTube
Released on September 2, 2018, Childish Gambino's "Feels Like Summer" is one of those animated music videos featuring a masterful blend of social commentary and vibrant animation.
Directed by Donald Glover, Ivan Dixon, and Greg Sharp, the video depicts Gambino walking through a neighborhood filled with various animated caricatures of famous artists and political figures. This rich tapestry of characters set against a dreamy, summer backdrop offers a poignant reflection on the state of the world and the music industry.
The video's subtle messaging, combined with its visually stunning animation, has made it a standout piece, illustrating the potential of animated music videos to deliver powerful messages in an engaging and thought-provoking manner.
3. Lil Dicky - Earth (412M views)
Video by Lil Dicky via YouTube
Lil Dicky's "Earth," released on April 19, 2019, is not just a music video but a global movement. Featuring over 30 of the biggest artists in the world, this animated video, directed by Nigel Tierney and Federico Heller, aims to raise awareness about climate change and environmental issues.
The video presents a colorful, animated world where animals and nature sing alongside the artists, driving home the message of the song.
The blend of humor, celebrity cameos, and a serious message about environmental conservation showcases the versatility of animation in addressing critical global issues while keeping viewers entertained and engaged.
2. Daft Punk - One More Time (479M views)
Video by Daft Punk via YouTube
Daft Punk's iconic "One More Time," released on November 30, 2000, is a staple in the world of animated music videos. Directed by Kazuhisa Takenouchi and produced in collaboration with Toei Animation, the video features characters from the anime film "Interstella 5555."
The video's blend of catchy electronic music and vibrant anime-style animation creates a captivating and immersive experience.
Its enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless appeal of animated music videos.
Get Inspired With Your Own Animated Music Videos
Animated music videos highlight the endless possibilities for storytelling, emotional expression, and audience engagement.
If you're an artist or musician looking to make a similar impact, Promoshin offers the expertise and creativity to turn musical visions into animated masterpieces.
With a wealth of experience and a track record of producing over 8000 plus videos, Promoshin can offer you the kind of high-caliber videos that not only capture attention but also drive action.
One example of a chart-topping music video that does exactly that, is none other than...
1. A-ha - Take On Me (1.8B views)
Topping our list is the legendary "Take On Me" by A-ha, released on October 19, 1985.
This groundbreaking music video, directed by Steve Barron, uses a pencil-sketch animation/live-action combination to tell a love story that transcends dimensions.
The rotoscoping technique used in the video was innovative for its time and has since become iconic. "Take On Me" is more than just another one of many animated music videos; it's a piece of pop culture history that continues to influence artists and animators today.
Its staggering view count is a testament to its universal appeal and the power of combining innovative animation with memorable music.
Create Animated Videos of Any Kind
Ready to create your own animated music video? Discover the perfect video for your needs by checking out our Video Idea Cheat Sheet to pick a video that’s right for you. Get pricing for our video services to have the perfect video made by Promoshin's video creation experts. Engage your audience with beautiful visuals today!
